A smart device and control method for magnetic resonance noise training of animals

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent device and control method for magnetic resonance noise training of animals, relating to the field of medical devices. The device includes: a central control system, a training chamber, multiple training boxes, multiple training beds for animal immobilization, a power amplifier, a multi-channel stimulator generator, and a multi-port expansion dock. The central control system controls the speakers to play corresponding magnetic resonance noise based on the behavioral status of the monitored equipment and controls the start and stop of each generator within the multi-channel stimulator generator. This invention provides animal immobilization functionality, enabling adaptation training before functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), including magnetic resonance noise adaptation and task-oriented training. This device ensures that animals are fully adapted to magnetic resonance noise and task-related stimuli before formal fMRI, allowing for stress-free resting-state and task-oriented fMRI. This invention can also train multiple animals simultaneously to ensure uniformity and standardization of training conditions, improving the reliability and consistency of experimental data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an intelligent device and control method for magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimulus adaptation training of multiple animals. Background Technology

[0002] Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is non-invasive, radiation-free, repeatable, and boasts high temporal and spatial resolution. It can precisely locate localized brain activity and reveal complex brain network systems, and has been widely used in clinical and basic research. Its principle is based on imaging changes in the magnetic field properties caused by variations in the metabolic levels and blood oxygenation of local brain regions due to neuronal activity. fMRI images the brain while it is performing a specific function or in a resting state to observe "brain region activation" or functional connectivity during a task. During an fMRI scan, if the subject is asked to perform a task that activates specific brain regions, fMRI can measure task-oriented brain activity; if the subject is asked to remain awake and still in the scanner, it is a resting-state scan. This technique combines functional, anatomical, and imaging factors, providing strong technical support for clinical magnetic resonance diagnosis, moving from purely morphological studies to systematic research combining function and imaging.

[0003] Anesthesia is often used in preclinical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to reduce animal movement and alleviate stress and anxiety caused by MRI noise. However, anesthetic drugs can alter brain function, including inhibiting neuronal activity, hemodynamics, and metabolic processes. To avoid the effects of anesthetic drugs, preclinical fMRI has been evolving towards imaging in awake states in recent years. However, awake animal imaging experiments face the challenge of keeping the animal's head still during imaging, as it is difficult for the animal to cooperate with the researchers. Therefore, securing high-quality resting-state and task-oriented functional imaging data, and minimizing animal stress responses, have become critical issues that need to be addressed.

[0004] Besides the noise and semi-closed environment of fMRI, laboratory animals typically exhibit significant stress responses to task-oriented stimuli. Through stimulus adaptation training, laboratory animals can gradually acclimatize to the noise, environment, and task stimuli during fMRI scans, reducing their stress and anxiety during actual scans. Adaptation training helps them remain still during scans, reducing motion artifacts. Task-oriented stimulus adaptation training plays a crucial role in fMRI studies of awake mice, contributing to improved data quality and reliability while reducing animal stress and discomfort.

[0005] Traditional single-animal training methods suffer from low efficiency and long training times, while multi-animal simultaneous training devices can reduce overall training time and lower the training cost per animal. Furthermore, training multiple animals simultaneously ensures uniformity and standardization of training conditions, improving data reliability and consistency. Through the application of intelligent systems, standardized adaptation training and monitoring of multiple animals can be achieved, meeting the growing demand for efficient, large-scale animal training in magnetic resonance imaging research and related fields. Therefore, developing intelligent systems for simultaneous multi-animal training is of great significance for improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and data quality of overall training programs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an intelligent device and control method for training multiple animals to adapt to magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimuli, which solves the problems of low image quality of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) due to the difficulty in adapting animals to the magnetic resonance imaging environment, and the inability to train multiple animals for magnetic resonance imaging.

[0007] This invention provides an intelligent device for training animals with magnetic resonance noise, specifically designed for training multiple animals simultaneously with magnetic resonance noise and task-based stimulus adaptation training. By training multiple animals (6-8 animals) in a batch at the same time, it solves the problem of long adaptation training time in animal experiments. The device includes: a central control system, a training chamber, multiple training boxes, multiple training beds for fixing animals, a power amplifier, a multi-channel stimulus generator, and a multi-port expansion dock.

[0008] The multi-port expansion dock, combined with the power cord inside the training cabin, is used to connect to a power source to provide power to the various electrical appliances inside the training cabin.

[0009] The training cabin is divided into multiple training layers, and each training layer is provided with multiple cabins arranged in sequence.

[0010] Each of the aforementioned compartments is connected to the training box via a first slide rail, and a first baffle is provided at the front end of each compartment to restrict the movement of the training box.

[0011] The training cabin is equipped with exhaust devices on both the left and right sides. The exhaust devices include vents and exhaust fans to maintain air circulation in the training cabin.

[0012] The training chamber includes multiple monitoring devices located in front of the chamber for real-time monitoring of the animal's behavior.

[0013] The training box and the training bed are set up in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0014] The training box includes a cabinet and a speaker for playing magnetic resonance noise; the speaker is located on top of the cabinet.

[0015] The training bed can be slidably disposed within the box;

[0016] The training bed includes a bed frame, a headpost fixing component, and a headpost buckle; the bottom front end of the bed frame has a communication port for connecting a water supply pipe and an air jet pipe;

[0017] The amplifier is used to control the playback volume of magnetic resonance noise played by all speakers;

[0018] The central control system is connected to the monitoring equipment via a wireless network and to the power amplifier via a universal serial bus, and is also connected to the multi-channel stimulus generator via a coaxial cable. It is used to control the speaker to play corresponding magnetic resonance noise according to the behavior status of the monitoring equipment, and to control the start and stop of each generator in the multi-channel stimulus generator so that the animal can adapt to task-oriented stimulus training.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom of the box is hollowed out in the middle and a second slide rail is provided on both sides of the hollowed-out area, and the training bed is slidably mounted on the second slide rail;

[0020] A second baffle is provided at the bottom front end of the box to restrict the movement of the training bed.

[0021] Preferably, the training bed has a symmetrical structure.

[0022] The upper side of the bed is provided with two symmetrical headpost fixing components, and the headpost fixing components are provided with a first slot that is adapted to the headpost.

[0023] The head post buckle is nested with the first slot to fix the head post;

[0024] The bottom sides of the bed are provided with slide grooves that are adapted to the second slide rail.

[0025] Preferably, the monitoring device includes a camera and a camera base fixed to the bottom of the camera;

[0026] The bottom of the camera base has a second groove, through which the monitoring device can be slidably mounted on the convex rail of the training layer.

[0027] Preferably, a circular opening is provided near the cabin wall of the monitoring equipment to simulate the circular opening of a nuclear magnetic resonance radio frequency coil.

[0028] Preferably, the training cabin also includes an intermediate circuit layer for housing power cords, a multi-port expansion dock, and an amplifier connected to eight speakers;

[0029] The top and bottom of the intermediate circuit layer are provided with multiple wiring holes that are adapted to the training layer;

[0030] Exhaust fans are provided on both sides of the intermediate circuit layer, and a wiring hole embedding plate is provided on one side of the intermediate circuit layer.

[0031] Preferably, each level of the training cabin is equipped with a sliding door.

[0032] Preferably, the wiring hole embedding plate is composed of two connecting plates spliced ​​together;

[0033] The side wall of the connecting plate is provided with a second slot, and the side wall is also provided with a locking block that cooperates with the second slot;

[0034] A through hole is provided between the second card slot and the card block.

[0035] Preferably, the training bed is made of a magnetic resonance compatible material; the head column buckle is preferably a U-shaped head column buckle, and the first slot is preferably an L-shaped slot.

[0036] The present invention also provides a control method for an intelligent device for training magnetic resonance noise in animals, wherein the control method is implemented in the aforementioned intelligent device for training magnetic resonance noise in animals, and the control method includes:

[0037] Acquire training task information to determine whether the training task is in a task state or a resting state, and acquire behavioral state data monitored by monitoring equipment, and label it as resting state magnetic resonance functional imaging data or spontaneous task state functional imaging data through monitoring image analysis.

[0038] If the training task is a task state, the generators in the multi-channel stimulation generator are started or stopped according to the behavioral state data so that the animal adapts to the task state stimulation training (stimulation methods include single or combined methods such as feeding water, air jet or foot electric shock), and the power amplifier is controlled to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the task state until the behavioral state data meets the first preset condition.

[0039] If the training task is in a resting state, the amplifier is controlled according to the behavior state data to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the resting state until the behavior state data meets the second preset condition.

[0040] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0041] This invention provides an intelligent device and control method for magnetic resonance noise training of animals. The device includes: a central control system, a training chamber, multiple training boxes, multiple training beds for securing the animals, a power amplifier, a multi-channel stimulator, and a multi-port expansion dock. The training chamber is divided into multiple training layers, each layer having multiple sequentially arranged compartments. Each compartment is connected to a training box via a first slide rail, and a first baffle is provided at the front of each compartment to restrict the movement of the training box. Exhaust equipment, including vents and exhaust fans, is provided on the left and right sides of the training chamber to maintain air circulation. The training chamber includes multiple monitoring devices located in front of the compartments for real-time monitoring of the animal's behavior. The training boxes and training... Each training bed is individually configured; the training box includes a box body and speakers for playing magnetic resonance noise; the speakers are located on the top of the box body; the training bed can be slidably installed inside the box body; the training bed includes a bed frame, headpost fixing components, and headpost buckles; a connecting port is provided at the bottom front of the bed frame for connecting a water supply pipe and an air jet pipe; the power amplifier is used to control the playback volume of the magnetic resonance noise played by all speakers; the central control system is connected to the monitoring equipment via a wireless network and to the power amplifier via a universal serial bus, and is also connected to the multi-channel stimulus generator via a coaxial cable. It is used to control the speakers to play corresponding magnetic resonance noise according to the behavior status of the monitoring equipment, and to control the start and stop of each generator in the multi-channel stimulus generator so that the animal adapts to task-oriented stimulus training.

[0042] In this invention, the intelligent device for adapting to magnetic resonance noise and task-based stimuli can immobilize animals and train them against magnetic resonance noise before functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This allows the animals to adapt to the noise, semi-enclosed environment, and task-based stimuli before the actual fMRI, enabling image data acquisition in a stress-free state. Furthermore, this invention provides a scheme for simultaneous training of multiple animals against magnetic resonance noise and task-based stimuli, solving problems such as low training efficiency and time consumption, and reducing overall training costs. In addition, this invention can train multiple animals simultaneously to ensure uniformity and standardization of training conditions, improving data reliability and consistency. Therefore, this invention solves the technical problems of existing methods that make it difficult to adapt animals to the magnetic resonance imaging environment, resulting in low image quality in fMRI, and the inability to train multiple animals for fMRI. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the training chamber of a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 3 A front view of the training chamber of a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 4 A right-side cross-sectional view of the training chamber of a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 5 An external schematic diagram of the training cabin provided for this application;

[0049] Figure 6 An internal schematic diagram of the training cabin provided in this application;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the assembled training box and training bed provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the training bed provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the head column provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the wiring hole embedding board provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the monitoring equipment provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 12 Power supply diagrams for the various components inside the training cabin provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 13 A functional diagram of the central control system provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a control method for an intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 15 A flowchart for the magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimulus adaptation training of animals provided in this application;

[0059] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: training cabin 1, cabin 11, first slide rail 11a, first baffle 11b, convex rail 11c, wiring hole 12, exhaust fan embedding hole 13, wiring hole embedding plate 14, second slot 14a, buckle 14b, through hole 14c, sliding door 15, circular opening 16, training box 2, box body 21, second baffle 21a, top embedding hole 21b, speaker 22, training bed 3, bed body 31, headpost fixing component 32, headpost buckle 33, connecting port 34, slide groove 35, exhaust equipment 4, ventilation port 41, exhaust fan 42, monitoring equipment 5, camera 51, camera base 52, headpost 6, power amplifier 7, and multi-port expansion dock 8. Detailed Implementation

[0060] This invention provides an intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals, which solves the technical problem that existing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) devices for awake animals are difficult to use to fix animals and animals are difficult to adapt to the fMRI environment, resulting in low image data quality in fMRI.

[0061] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0063] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] Please see Figures 2-12An embodiment of a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals provided in this application includes: a central control system, a training chamber 1, multiple training boxes 2, multiple training beds for fixing animals 3, a power amplifier 7, a multi-channel stimulation generator, and a multi-port expansion dock 8.

[0065] The multi-port expansion dock 8, combined with the power cord inside the training chamber 1, is used to connect to the power supply and provide power to the electrical appliances inside the training chamber 1. The training chamber 1 is divided into multiple training layers, and each training layer is provided with multiple sequentially arranged compartments 11. Each compartment 11 is connected to the training box 2 via a first slide rail 11a, and a first baffle 11b is provided at the front end of the compartment 11 to restrict the movement of the training box 2. Exhaust devices 4 are provided on the left and right sides of the training chamber 1. The exhaust devices 4 include vents 41 and exhaust fans 42 to maintain air circulation in the training chamber 1. The training chamber 1 includes multiple monitoring devices 5 located in front of the compartments 11 to monitor the behavior of the animals in real time.

[0066] Training box 2 and training bed 3 are set up one-to-one; training box 2 includes box body 21 and speaker 22 for playing magnetic resonance noise; speaker 22 is set on top of box body 21; training bed 3 is set inside box body 21; training bed 3 includes bed frame 31, head column fixing component 32 and head column buckle 33; the bottom front end of bed frame 31 has a communication port 34 for connecting water supply pipe and air jet pipe;

[0067] The power amplifier 7 is used to control the playback volume of the magnetic resonance noise played by all speakers 22; the central control system is connected to the monitoring equipment 5 via a wireless network and to the power amplifier 7 via a universal serial bus, and is connected to the multi-channel stimulus generator via a coaxial cable. It is used to control the speakers 22 to play the corresponding magnetic resonance noise according to the behavior status of the monitoring equipment 5, and to control the start and stop of each generator in the multi-channel stimulus generator so that the animal can adapt to the task-oriented stimulus training.

[0068] In this implementation, the training chamber 1 is divided into three layers, with the upper and lower layers serving as the training layer. It contains eight chambers, each with a rectangular opening at the bottom. The training bed 3 not only simulates the animal bed for a small animal MRI scanner but also helps to fix the animal's head during MRI training. Simultaneously, the combination of the training box 2 and the speaker 22 provides the necessary environment for MRI imaging in small animals. Furthermore, the amplifier 7 controls the eight speakers 22 to simultaneously play noise at the same volume, and the multi-port expansion dock 8 connects to a power source to power various electrical appliances, such as… Figure 12 As shown, the power cords of the exhaust device 4 and the monitoring device 5 are connected to the multi-port expansion dock 8. The power amplifier 7 is connected to each speaker 22 and coordinates the 8 speakers 22 to play noise under the same conditions. The power amplifier 7 is then connected to the multi-port expansion dock 8 to meet the power supply needs of all electrical appliances in the entire cabin.

[0069] It should be noted that the top of the cabinet 21 has a top embedding hole 21b, and the speaker 22 is connected to the cabinet 21 through the top embedding hole 21b. The magnetic resonance noise played by the speaker 22 can be controlled by the central control system to control the power amplifier 7 to control the sequence and volume of the magnetic resonance noise. The exhaust fan 42 exhausts the air in the training layer from the ventilation port 41 to maintain the air circulation and freshness in the training layer.

[0070] The magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimulus adaptation training intelligent device also includes a display, which is connected to the monitoring device 5 to display and record the monitoring screen of the monitoring device 5.

[0071] Please see Figure 1 The central control system is electrically connected to the power amplifier 7, monitoring equipment 5, and multi-channel stimulation generator. Specifically, the central control system controls the power amplifier 7 to synchronize the playback of eight speakers 22 at the same volume and in the same sequence. The central control system controls eight cameras 51 to monitor and record simultaneously via software. Each camera 51 has an SD card inserted for real-time storage of the recordings. The central control system triggers the stimulation generation and paradigm control of each stimulation module through the multi-channel stimulation generator. If it is necessary to perform foot sensory electrical stimulation on the animal, simply set the parameters as needed in the central control system, such as the stimulation type as electrical stimulation, the required stimulation duration, the required stimulation frequency, the required stimulation interval, and the required number of stimuli, and then click trigger to generate the required stimulation. The central control system makes the training process more convenient and efficient, and helps to realize the intelligent application of the device.

[0072] The multi-channel stimulation generator includes various stimulation generators, such as a water pump, an air pump, a laser, and a stimulation isolator. The water pump is connected to the water supply pipe, the air pump is connected to the air jet pipe, and the laser and stimulation isolator are both installed on the training bed 3. The central control system is electrically connected to the training bed 3 via wires. The central control system is used to control the opening and closing of the water pump and the air pump according to the animal's behavioral state.

[0073] It is worth mentioning that the present invention provides an intelligent device for adapting to magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimuli, specifically designed for training multiple animals simultaneously. By training multiple animals (6-8 animals) in a batch at the same time, it solves the problem of long adaptation training time in multi-animal experiments, thereby improving the training efficiency of magnetic resonance noise and task-state stimuli for multiple animals. At the same time, it can also ensure the uniformity and standardization of training conditions, and improve the reliability and consistency of data.

[0074] Understandably, the training intelligent device provided in this implementation simulates the environment during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Compared to habituation training directly inside the MRI scanner, this device enables multiple animals to be trained simultaneously under the same conditions while their behavioral states are monitored at the same time. This eliminates interference from other conditions during the training process, allowing for batch training of animals to adapt to MRI noise, environment, and task stimuli, while reducing errors in experimental results caused by training conditions. The training intelligent device processes data efficiently through a central control system, thereby enabling intelligent application of the device and saving manpower and time.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the housing 21 is hollowed out in the middle and a second slide rail is provided on both sides of the hollowed-out area, and the training bed 3 is slidably mounted on the second slide rail; a second baffle 21a is provided at the bottom front end of the housing 21 to restrict the movement of the training bed 3.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The training bed 3 has a symmetrical structure; the upper side of the bed 31 is provided with two symmetrical headpost fixing parts 32, and the headpost fixing parts 32 have a first slot adapted to the headpost; the headpost buckle 33 is nested with the first slot to fix the headpost; the bottom sides of the bed 31 are provided with slide grooves 35 adapted to the second slide rail.

[0077] Please see Figure 9 The present application provides a schematic diagram of the head post involved in the embodiment. The head post 6 is inserted into the first slot, and the head post buckle 33 is pushed to cover the first slot, thereby fixing the head post 6.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 The monitoring device 5 includes a camera 51 and a camera base fixed to the bottom of the camera 51; a second groove is provided at the bottom of the camera base, and the monitoring device 5 can be slidably mounted on the convex rail 11c of the training layer through the second groove.

[0079] In this embodiment, the central control system is also used to control the forward and backward movement of the monitoring device 5 according to the animal's behavioral state in order to adjust the optimal monitoring angle; wherein, the camera 51 is preferably an infrared camera 51 with night vision function.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, a circular opening 16 is provided near the wall 11 of the monitoring device 5 to simulate the circular opening 16 of the nuclear magnetic resonance radio frequency coil.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the training chamber 1 further includes an intermediate circuit layer for placing various power lines; the top and bottom of the intermediate circuit layer are provided with a plurality of wiring holes 12 adapted to the training layer; exhaust fans 42 are provided on both sides of the intermediate circuit layer, and a wiring hole embedding plate 14 is provided on one side of the intermediate circuit layer.

[0082] It should be noted that, please refer to 6 and Figure 10 The power cord of the device is integrated into the intermediate circuit layer. Wiring holes 12 are provided at the top and bottom of the intermediate circuit layer to allow power cords from various components to supply power to all components within the training layer. Specifically, the power cords of the speaker 22, monitoring equipment 5, and exhaust fan 42 are respectively provided with first, second, and third wiring holes to connect to the amplifier 7 and multi-port expansion dock 8. The power cords of the intermediate circuit layer are connected to an external power source through through-holes 14c embedded in the wiring hole embedded plate 14. Figure 12 Power supply diagrams for each component inside the training cabin were provided. Figure 13 A functional diagram of the central control system is provided.

[0083] The location of the wiring hole 12 can be set according to actual needs. For the upper training layer, the first wiring hole and the second wiring hole for the power lines of the speaker 22 and the monitoring equipment 5 are opened between two adjacent convex rails 11c. At the same time, the third wiring hole for the power lines of the exhaust fan 42 is opened in the first and last cabins 11 near the training layer. It can be understood that each layer of the training cabin 1 is provided with an exhaust fan embedding hole 13 to facilitate the installation of the exhaust fan 42.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, each layer of the training chamber 1 is equipped with a sliding door 15 to facilitate movement and operation by the experimenters.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 The wiring hole embedding plate 14 is composed of two connecting plates spliced ​​together; the side wall of the connecting plate is provided with a second slot 14a, and the side wall is also provided with a block that cooperates with the second slot 14a; a through hole 14c is provided between the second slot 14a and the block.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the head post buckle 33 is preferably a U-shaped head post buckle, and the first slot of the head post fixing component 32 is preferably an L-shaped slot; the training bed 3 is preferably made of magnetic resonance compatible material.

[0087] It should be noted that the two ends of the head post 6 are inserted into the long end of the L-shaped slot, and then the U-shaped head post buckle is slid from the back of the L-shaped slot forward until the U-shaped head post buckle covers the L-shaped slot, so as to fix the animal's head. At the same time, the experimenter can observe whether the head post moves during the training process through the short end of the L-shaped slot.

[0088] In this preferred embodiment, both the head column 6 and the training bed 3 are preferably made of magnetic resonance compatible materials; wherein, according to actual needs, copper can be plated on the training bed 3 to provide electrical stimulation;

[0089] Understandably, in order to simulate the dark, semi-sealed environment inside the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, all components in the MRI noise and task stimulus adaptation training intelligent device, except for the training bed 3, are black.

[0090] Furthermore, after the animal has completed its training using the intelligent device for adapting to magnetic resonance noise and task-oriented stimuli, the training bed 3, made of magnetic resonance compatible material, can be removed from the chamber 11. The training bed 3 can be directly fixed to the animal bed for the animal's magnetic resonance imaging, enabling direct imaging of the awake animal in a resting or task-oriented state. This saves the animal's magnetic resonance imaging fixation step and improves the success rate of the animal's functional magnetic resonance imaging.

[0091] This invention provides an intelligent device for magnetic resonance noise training of animals. The animal is fixed by the head column 6 being adapted to the head column fixing component 32 and head column buckle 33 in the training bed 3. After the animal is fixed, the corresponding magnetic resonance noise is played through the speaker 22 to realize the magnetic resonance noise training of the animal before functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allows the animal to adapt to the magnetic resonance noise environment before the formal functional magnetic resonance imaging, so that the image data can be acquired in a stress-free state, realizing the intelligent application of the device.

[0092] Please see Figure 14 This application also provides a control method for a magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals, the control method including:

[0093] Step S10: Obtain training task information to determine whether the training task is in a task state or a resting state, and obtain behavioral state data monitored by the monitoring device.

[0094] It should be noted that before noise training, the animals need to undergo cephalosporin implantation surgery. After the recovery period, the training begins. After anesthetizing the experimental animals, the corresponding training task information is obtained, and the animals are fixed to the training bed 3 using cephalosporin clips 33 and cephalosporin fixation components 32. The training task information can be used to identify the type of training task and the corresponding sequence of magnetic resonance noise. The training task can be divided into resting state or task state. In addition, the images monitored by the monitoring equipment are analyzed and labeled as resting state magnetic resonance functional imaging data or spontaneous task state functional imaging data.

[0095] Understandably, before acquiring behavioral status data, it is necessary to check whether all components in the training device are properly assembled, especially whether the animal is fixed on the training bed 3 and whether the training bed 3 has slid to the second baffle 21a of the training box 2. It is also necessary to check whether the speaker 22 is in normal working condition. Observing the animal's behavioral status on the monitor makes it easier to train the animal, thereby saving training time.

[0096] Step S20: If the training task is task-oriented, start or stop each generator in the multi-channel stimulus generator according to the behavioral state data to enable the animal to adapt to the task-oriented stimulus training, and control the power amplifier to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the task state until the behavioral state data meets the first preset condition.

[0097] It should be noted that when the training task is in task mode, the generators within the multi-channel stimulation generator can be started or stopped based on behavioral state data. At the same time, the resting state and task mode correspond to different magnetic resonance noises, namely the magnetic resonance noise sequence and the magnetic resonance noise duration required for specific parameters during the formal scan. The required magnetic resonance noise sequence, playback volume, and playback duration are selected through the central control system to control the speaker to play the required magnetic resonance noise. The stimulation methods for starting or stopping the generators within the multi-channel stimulation generator include single or combined methods such as feeding sugar water and / or air jet and / or foot electrical stimulation.

[0098] Even more intelligently, a task-oriented stimulus paradigm can be set in the task state. When the training task is in the task state, the corresponding stimulation actions of each generator are started or stopped according to the behavioral state data or the task-oriented stimulus paradigm, including feeding sugar water and / or air jet and / or foot electric stimulation, etc., and the amplifier is controlled to make the connected speakers play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the task state until the behavioral state data meets the first preset condition.

[0099] It should be noted that the sequences include spin echo sequences (SE), fast spin echo pulse sequences (FSE), and gradient echo sequences (GRE), etc.

[0100] Among them, the spin echo sequence is the most basic and commonly used pulse sequence in MRI scanning, producing high-quality images; the fast spin echo sequence is an improvement on the scanning speed of the spin echo sequence, which greatly speeds up the scanning speed while maintaining a certain level of image quality; the gradient echo sequence mainly utilizes small-angle excitation pulses and gradient magnetic field changes for imaging.

[0101] The first preset condition includes that the behavioral state data meets the first preset feedback behavior, and the number of times the first preset feedback behavior is met reaches a threshold.

[0102] In practical applications, when the training task is in a task state, in a task state magnetic resonance noise environment, when water feeding and / or air blowing are started or stopped, if the monitored behavioral state data meets the first preset feedback behavior, and the number of times the first preset feedback behavior is met reaches a threshold, it indicates that the animal has completed the task state magnetic resonance noise environment training and can be subjected to task state magnetic resonance imaging.

[0103] It should be noted that task-based magnetic resonance imaging uses a single relevant time as the task, thereby performing blood oxygen level-dependent brain function imaging while subjecting the animal's brain to a certain regular task stimulation. For example, when the animal is an experimental mouse and the task is air blowing stimulation, the experimental mouse is blown at a certain frequency in a task-based magnetic resonance noise environment until the experimental mouse adapts to the air blowing stimulation in the magnetic resonance noise environment.

[0104] Step S30: If the training task is in a resting state, control the power amplifier according to the behavior state data to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the resting state until the behavior state data meets the second preset condition.

[0105] The second preset condition includes that the behavior state data meets the second preset feedback behavior, and the duration of meeting the second preset feedback behavior reaches a preset duration.

[0106] When the training task is in a resting state, if the monitored behavioral state data in a resting magnetic resonance noise environment meets the second preset feedback behavior and the duration of the second preset feedback behavior reaches the preset duration, it indicates that the animal has completed the training in the resting magnetic resonance noise environment. For example, when the animal is a laboratory mouse, in a resting magnetic resonance noise environment, the laboratory mouse will struggle continuously. When the duration of the laboratory mouse remaining quiet reaches the preset duration, it indicates that the laboratory mouse has completed the training in the resting magnetic resonance noise environment.

[0107] Please see Figure 15This embodiment also provides a method for adapting conscious animals to magnetic resonance noise and task-based stimuli. The method includes: first, performing a cephalopilectomy on the animal; three days after the cephalopilectomy, ensuring that all components in the training device are properly assembled and checking that the power is on; then, anesthetizing the animal with the implanted cephalopilectomy and fixing it to the training bed, and assembling the training bed into the training box; after assembly, starting the monitoring equipment and exhaust fan through the central control system, and simultaneously starting the speaker to play the corresponding magnetic resonance noise according to the training task; real-time synchronous monitoring and video recording of the animal through the monitoring equipment; if the experiment is designed as a task-based exercise, the central control system controls and adjusts the task-based stimulus mode, intensity, and frequency to complete the adaptation training of the animal to magnetic resonance noise and task-based stimuli; after the training is completed, turning off the power; and finally, anesthetizing the animal to remove it.

[0108] The training method provided in this embodiment enables animals to adapt to the magnetic resonance noise environment and task-oriented stimulation when formally performing functional magnetic resonance imaging, thereby achieving image data acquisition in a stress-free state and improving the image data quality of functional magnetic resonance imaging.

[0109] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance noise training intelligent device for animals, characterized in that, include: The system includes a central control system, training chambers, multiple training boxes, multiple training beds for securing animals, an amplifier, a multi-channel stimulator, and a multi-port expansion dock. The multi-port expansion dock, combined with the power cord inside the training cabin, is used to connect to a power source to provide power to the various electrical appliances inside the training cabin. The training cabin is divided into multiple training layers, and each training layer is provided with multiple cabins arranged in sequence. Each of the aforementioned compartments is connected to the training box via a first slide rail, and a first baffle is provided at the front end of each compartment to restrict the movement of the training box. The training cabin is equipped with exhaust devices on both the left and right sides. The exhaust devices include vents and exhaust fans to maintain air circulation in the training cabin. The training chamber includes multiple monitoring devices located in front of the chamber for real-time monitoring of the animal's behavior. The training box and the training bed are set up in a one-to-one correspondence; The training box includes a cabinet and a speaker for playing magnetic resonance noise; The speaker is located on the top of the enclosure; The training bed can be slidably disposed within the box; The training bed includes a bed frame, a headpost fixing component, and a headpost buckle; the bottom front end of the bed frame has a communication port for connecting a water supply pipe and an air jet pipe; The amplifier is used to control the playback volume of magnetic resonance noise played by all speakers; The central control system is connected to the monitoring equipment via a wireless network and to the power amplifier via a universal serial bus, and is also connected to the multi-channel stimulus generator via a coaxial cable. It is used to control the speaker to play corresponding magnetic resonance noise according to the behavior status of the monitoring equipment, and to control the start and stop of each generator in the multi-channel stimulus generator so that the animal can adapt to task-state stimulus training. The bottom of the box is hollowed out in the middle, and a second slide rail is provided on both sides of the hollowed-out area. The training bed can be slidably mounted on the second slide rail. A second baffle is provided at the bottom front end of the box to restrict the movement of the training bed; The training bed has a symmetrical structure. The upper side of the bed is provided with two symmetrical headpost fixing components, and the headpost fixing components are provided with a first slot that is adapted to the headpost. The head post buckle is nested with the first slot to fix the head post; The bottom sides of the bed are provided with slide grooves that are adapted to the second slide rail.

2. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes a camera and a camera base fixed to the bottom of the camera; The bottom of the camera base has a second groove, through which the monitoring device can be slidably mounted on the convex rail of the training layer.

3. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, A circular opening is provided near the cabin wall of the monitoring equipment to simulate the circular opening of a nuclear magnetic resonance radio frequency coil.

4. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The training cabin also includes an intermediate circuit layer for housing power cords, a multi-port expansion dock, and an amplifier connected to eight speakers. The top and bottom of the intermediate circuit layer are provided with multiple wiring holes that are adapted to the training layer; Exhaust fans are provided on both sides of the intermediate circuit layer, and a wiring hole embedding plate is provided on one side of the intermediate circuit layer.

5. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each level of the training cabin is equipped with sliding doors.

6. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wiring hole embedding plate is composed of two connecting plates spliced ​​together. The side wall of the connecting plate is provided with a second slot, and the side wall is also provided with a locking block that cooperates with the second slot; A through hole is provided between the second card slot and the card block.

7. The intelligent magnetic resonance noise training device for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The training bed is made of magnetic resonance compatible materials; The head post buckle is a U-shaped head post buckle, and the first slot is an L-shaped slot.

8. A control method for an intelligent device for magnetic resonance noise training of animals, said control method being implemented based on the intelligent device for magnetic resonance noise training of animals according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The control method includes: Acquire training task information to determine whether the training task is in a task state or a resting state, and acquire behavioral state data monitored by the monitoring equipment; If the training task is a task state, the generators in the multi-channel stimulation generator are started or stopped according to the behavioral state data so that the animal adapts to the task state stimulation training, and the power amplifier is controlled to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the task state until the behavioral state data meets the first preset condition. If the training task is in a resting state, the amplifier is controlled according to the behavior state data to make the connected speaker play the magnetic resonance noise corresponding to the resting state until the behavior state data meets the second preset condition.

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